Two North Carolina restaurants were just ranked among the best fine dining restaurants in the U.S., according to Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice “Best of the Best.”

Mar 17, 2026 | News

Second Empire Restaurant & Tavern – Raleigh ranked #3 nationwide
Ristorante Paoletti – Highlands ranked #13 nationwide

Why this matters for building owners and business owners:

Top operators elevate the property
Strong restaurants drive traffic to a district
Recognition increases visibility and demand

Second Empire, located in a historic downtown Raleigh property, is a good reminder that the right tenant can strengthen both the building and the surrounding area.

https://www.newsobserver.com/living/food-drink/article314935723.html

J Dylan Cunningham, CCIM is the founder of Oak Street Commercial Real Estate, LLC, a firm located in Apex, NC on a mission to help business owners and commercial real estate owners create long-term strategies that align with their objectives through real estate.

We believe in going beyond the transaction, taking a deep look at where you want to be in five, ten or even twenty years from now—and how we can help you get there with thoughtful, strategic decisions today.

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